When it comes to applying for a job, your CV could be just the ticket that gets you that initial foot in the door and secure you an interview- but how do you ensure it’s added to the pile rather than thrown straight into the bin?

Putting together a successful CV is pretty easy once you know how. It’s a case of taking all your skills and experiences and tailoring them to the job you’re applying for. Here are just a few things to consider when putting your CV together:

Get the basics rights

There is no right or wrong way to write a CV but there are some common sections you should cover. These include: personal and contact information; education and qualifications; work history and/or experience; relevant skills to the job in question; own interests, achievements and some reference.

Presentation is key

A successful CV is always carefully and clearly presented. The layout should always be clean and well-structured and CVs should never be crumpled or folded.

Stick to no more than two pages if possible

A good CV is clear, concise and makes every point necessary without waffling. You don’t need too many pages Try to keep things short and nice. A CV is a reassurance to a potential employer, it’s a chance to tick the right boxes. And if everything is satisfied, there’s a better chance of a job interview. Also, employers receive dozens of CVs all the time so it’s unlikely they’ll read each one cover to cover. Most will make a judgment about a CV within sections, so stick to a maximum of two pages if possible.

Understand the job description

The clues are in the job application, so read the details from start to finish. Take notes and create bullet points, highlighting everything you can satisfy and all the bits you can’t. With the areas where you’re lacking, fill in the blanks by adapting the skills you do have.

Tailor the CV to fit the role

When you’ve established what the job entails and how you can match each requirement, create a CV specifically for that role. Remember, there is no such thing as a generic CV. Every CV you send to a potential employer should be tailored to that role so don’t be lazy and hope that a general CV will work because it won’t.

Create a unique CV for every job you apply for. You don’t have to re-write the whole thing, just adapt the details so they’re relevant.

Making the most of your skills

Under the skills section to your CV don’t forget to mention skills that can help you stand out from the crowd. These include: communication skills; computer skills; team working; problem solving etc. Skills can come out of the most unlikely places, so really think about what you’ve done to grow your own skills, even if you take examples from being in a local sports team or joining a voluntary group it’s relevant.

Making the most of the experience

Use assertive and positive language under the work history and experience sections, such as ‘developed’, ‘organised’ or ‘achieved’. Really get to grips with the valuable skills and experience you have gained from past work positions, even if it was just working in a restaurant every little helps.

Keep your CV updated

it’s crucial to review your CV on a regular basis and add new skills or experiences that’s missing.

If you would like the Gidijobs team to review your CV, kindly contact us at info@gidijobs.com and we would be glad to provide a review report